Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Open to International
Yes
Area of study
Length
4 months
A supportive learning community
Learn in a safe and inclusive environment with guidance when you need it on everything from career planning and personal counselling to financial aid and educational support.
Advantages of upgrading at Camosun
- A flexible class schedule to fit your busy life including online, asynchronous, synchronous, part-time, full-time, daytime, or evening classes.
- If you’re working towards admission into another Camosun program and enrolled in the courses you need to meet its admission requirements, your application may be granted provisional qualification status. You’ll need to complete your prerequisite courses at least two months before the start of your program starts.
- Study in your community. Camosun offers upgrading courses at community based sites to make it easier to begin or return to learning.
- Access expert tutors through our Academic Help Centres.
- Earn university credits by taking elective courses that are eligible for university transfer.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses
Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Certificate in Fundamental Academic Upgrading
The Foundations Academic Upgrading program is designed for students who want to upgrade their basic reading, writing, and math skills.
This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.
What comes next?
Completion of this program certificate can prepare students for academic upgrading courses at the Intermediate level, and, in some cases, will provide direct entry into some college programs. For a full understanding of how this certificate can lead to other programs, current students are encouraged to see an Academic Advisor.
Certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading
The certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading is designed for students requiring upgrading in math and English, as well as students who wish to undertake career exploration combined with academic preparation.
This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.
What comes next?
Completion of this certificate prepares students for courses at the Advanced (math) and Provincial levels (English) with ENGL 050, and for direct entry into Technology Access Programs, Health Care Assistant, as well as the math for the Electrical Foundation Program.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses
Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Academic upgrading
For domestic students, 0-level upgrading courses are tuition-free. Tuition fees, for other courses, vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees
Financial assistance
The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
Fundamental Upgrading and Intermediate Upgrading All of: By assessment* *Students are admitted based on their previous educational background and experience. A student should contact the Assessment Centre for an English or mathematics assessment.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...
Ready to get started?
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Talk to a student navigator
Student navigators and the department chair, Zahra Khimji are available to answer general questions and share their student experiences.
Email upgrade@camosun.ca or call weekdays, 8am-4pm
Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156 or 250-370-3466 (call)
Valerie Neaves: Call: 250-370-3847
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Puja Gupta
Acting Associate Dean/Math Instructor
guptap@camosun.ca
250-370-3489
Ewing Building
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Jennifer Bennett
Instructor, English, Math and Computer Studies
bennettj@camosun.ca
250-370-3489
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Karen Lightbody
English, Math and Computer Studies Instructor
lightbodyk@camosun.ca
250-370-3675
Ewing
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Mark Kunen
English and Math Instructor
kunen@camosun.ca
250-370-4961
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Mayu Toyoda
Learning Coordinator, Learning Support
toyodam@camosun.ca
250-370-4980
Port A 104A
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Augustine (Ruse) Rusekampunzi
Math Instructional Assistant - Academic Upgrading
ruse@camosun.ca
250-370-4489
CBA 108
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Zack (Richard) Zajchowski
Instructor, Academic and Career Foundations
zackr@camosun.ca
250-370-4915
CBA 110
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Atulah Kennedy
Academic and Career Foundations, English Teacher
kennedya@camosun.ca
250-370-4953
Centre for Business and Access
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Cicelia Arsenault
Math Instructional Assistant - Academic Upgrading
arsenaultc@camosun.ca
250-370-3945
CBA 112
Full bio
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
Contact a Student Navigator or Department Chair
Campus location
Student Navigators are available on both campuses weekdays, 8am-4pm
Tia Primrose: 250-370-3466 or 250-216-7156 (text or call)
Valerie Neaves: 250-370-3847 or 250-216-8692 (text or call)
Zahra Khimji, Chair: khimjiz@camosun.ca or 250-370-4911 (call)
Admission questions